Changes to impaired driving and cannabis-related crime laws

Eligibility requirements if you apply from outside Canada

Anyone may apply for a work permit before they enter Canada. In some cases, you must apply to a visa office outside Canada. This is usually true if you need a visa to enter Canada or if you need to have a medical exam before you come here.

Eligibility requirements if you apply when you enter Canada at a port of entry (POE)

you already hold a valid medical certificate, if you need it for your job, or are from a designated country, and either

your employer has completed all of the steps for your type of work permit, or

you are applying for an open work permit.

If you’re a citizen of an eTA-required country, you’ll need to get an eTA if you plan to fly into Canada. To avoid additional costs, we recommend that you apply for your work permit before you travel to Canada.

Find out what type of work permit you can apply for. If you are applying for an open work permit, leave the employer section of the application blank.

Most international students and temporary workers need to give their biometrics at a VAC, ASC or temporary location in Europe. Find a location near you.

Only certain applicants can apply for a study or work permit at a Canadian port of entry (POE).

If you started the application process online, by mail or at a VAC, you can’t finish your application process and give your biometrics at a POE. If you try to do this, you risk being unable to enter Canada.